Newspapers: The Last Vehicle for Dissent
If one has never tried to disseminate information to the public, it is hard to comprehend how difficult it is. The Media Giants are of a mind set that locks them into their “traditional” sources and they have a hard time believing that an average citizen might have something of value. Their standard response is “thanks and well will call you if we need you”. The problem is that they get all of their information from political figures or Ivy League scholars. I am not sure what makes them feel that those sources are likely to have any insight into what is good for the average American. Reading an analysis of a Harvard Poll designed to reveal what a given group of people is thinking is not the same a living in that group of people and sharing their experiences. Never-the-less, Americans are routinely treated to a variety of “programs” that are directly the result of such data.
In trying to vet my ideas on Rational Healthcare Reform, I have been on regional radio and TV and been published in many newspapers around the country. I have been to Washington and talked to my representatives. My representatives are not “in power” and state that they can be of little help to me. I was surprised to learn that the other Congressmen and Senators will not interact with you if you are not from their districts. This means that if your representatives cannot, or will not help you, then you are effectively estranged from all of Congress.
Last summer I decided to send letters to newspapers around the country. I have sent three letters, starting with 600 newspapers, while the last mailing was to 718. After each mailing I receive numerous web site “hits” and E-mails. I have received thank-you cards from around the country, including Hawaii and Alaska, so I know that many newspapers are publishing these articles. However, often I receive a letter stating that my writing will not be published because I am not a local resident. I understand their position, though I feel that they are in error. Since the Congress will not be of service and the Media Giants will not help, if the local newspapers across the country fail to publish the thoughts of the individual American, then we are destined to live in isolation from one another and must accept whatever data the information networks feel is appropriate for us to have. This is a set up for widespread manipulation of the American People.
I strongly appeal to the multitude of local papers around the United States to consider the efforts of individual Americans. Weight each correspondence on its merits and what the author is trying to communicate. Do not discount the efforts of non-local Americans. We should all be working for the betterment of the United States and all of its citizens. The isolation of ideals could be our downfall.
Sincerely,
Mark E. Green